Portland TimbersThe Portland Timbers continue training camp in California this week in preparation for their first competitive match of 2011 on February 4 versus the Ventura County Fusion of the Premier Development League. Fans wanting updates on the match can visit the Timbers website or follow them on Twitter at @TimbersFC

Timbers reach 11,000 season tickets sold: The club announced on February 2 that in reaching this number of purchased season tickets, there are less than 1,000 packages available because the team planned on capping sales at 12,000 for its foundational season. While this does leave some options available for certain match day only sales or mini-packages, fans interested in guaranteeing a seat for 2011 should contact the Timbers Ticket Office as soon as possible for more information.

View full sizeKip Kesgard, community bloggerCrews have begun to add seats to the east wall according to the Timbers construction camera, but even without seats as seen here during the Timbers second community tour, the amount of work done is impressive.

Rose City Red Timbers kits now available for purchase: One of the most exciting developments from the December kit unveiling was the reveal of the Timbers’ secondary kit, called Rose City Red. Following a similar design from the primary green kit with a two-shade split design up front, the kit also has some unique features making it a one of a kind offering. From the thorn pattern separating the two shades of red to the unique Rose City badge on front to the special collar, the shirt is uniquely Portland. Unfortunately, this version was not available for sales during the holidays for interested fans.

However, patience has paid off as the team announced on February 2 that the red shirts, now called Rose City FC Jerseys, will be available through the Portland Timbers web site on a pre-sale basis. Fans can also pick up one at the Portland Timbers team store in downtown Portland starting on February 11, while also viewing additional merchandise inspired by the secondary look. All Rose City Red items will be available through Monday, February 14 or while supplies last.

Timbers Roster News:After learning about the new roster rules for MLS last week, the team has revamped its roster page on their website to help fans understand the makeup of the team better. The Timbers can carry up to 30 official players on their first team roster, but only the first 20 roster spots count towards the team’s total salary budget. The final 10 roster spots are designated as Off Budget Player spots, and while they might earn a salary, their amounts do not count in the overall salary listing. Examples of Off-Budget Players would be those signed as Home Grown (players that have trained with the club for at least one year and meet certain league rules) or players in the Generation adidas program.

View full sizeJennifer Kesgard, community bloggerFans interested in purchasing their own Rose City Red shirts that debuted in December during the Timbers kit unveiling won't have to wait any longer. The Timbers announced on February 2 that fans could pre-order the kits through their website or visit the Timbers team store starting on February 11, when they will be available along with other Rose City Red designed merchandise.

The Timbers first team roster currently sits at 18 signed players plus one Generation adidas player, while the team also lists players participating in camp, such as supplemental selections that have yet to sign a contract or non-roster invitees. For ease of understanding the roster, I’ve revamped my roster display to include the names of the first team, including Generation adidas players and players whose MLS rights the club retains. Names in italics represent international players, of which clubs can have eight players (Portland has 10 spots by virtue of trades):

Kip Kesgard, community bloggerAfter nearly a week of training to work on fitness stamina in Portland followed by four days of competitive drills, two day practices and working on soccer skills, the Portland Timbers finally play their first competitive match of 2011 on February 4 facing the Ventura County Fusion of the Premier Developmental League.

The Timbers are also experiencing some of the headaches that come with international talent in trying to predict the arrival of defender Kerrea Gilbert. Gilbert was expected to join the team in Portland before venturing to California, but he is experiencing issues with his International Transfer and VISA paperwork allowing him to leave England and the timetable for his arrival isn’t known. The Timbers continue to also work on signing Columbian forward Jorge Perlaza, a supremely talented and exceptional quick 25-year-old phenom. While Perlaza is able to train with the Timbers in Ventura and play in the February 4 match versus the Ventura County Fusion, his contract status is complicated and the Timbers can’t sign him to an MLS deal until the issue is resolved.

From the list of camp attendees, I’m pleased at the names from the former Timbers club that have joined up seeking a roster spot. Rodrigo Lopez thrived in a super substitute role for the USL Timbers, making his mark off set pieces with his dangerous shot placement, while Tony McManus could provide some needed veteran savvy and fire in a limited role. Jake Gleeson has been long rumored to be the Timbers’ top choice for their reserve team goalkeeper, and this would allow him to train and learn from two experienced goalkeepers in Troy Perkins and Adin Brown. Of the invitees, Andres Flores is highly regarded by scouts for his decisive play and quickness, while Ryan Guy impressed coaches with his play in Ireland after playing collegiately for the University of San Diego.